I don't care and I'm sure Mo is not losing any sleep over this.
But, I understand why some people are upset.

It's like coming the Yankees and having the nerve to ask Jeter for his number.

A while from know when Jepordy has the answer "Tough NY closer known as the Sandman", almost everyone will answer Mo.

I honestly don't get why Wagner would keep the song. He's a great closer but he's no Mo. Even if he pitches great this year, he's still no Mo. To me, it seems like he's looking up to Mo, and that's the way it should be.

jayman wrote:It's like coming [to] the Yankees and having the nerve to ask Jeter for his number.

No its not. Its not even close to that. The last time I checked the Mets and Yankees were separate teams. Wagner entered to the song prior to playing with the Mets and he has every right to enter to it now.

jayman wrote:I don't care and I'm sure Mo is not losing any sleep over this.But, I understand why some people are upset.

It's like coming the Yankees and having the nerve to ask Jeter for his number.

A while from know when Jepordy has the answer "Tough NY closer known as the Sandman", almost everyone will answer Mo.

I honestly don't get why Wagner would keep the song. He's a great closer but he's no Mo. Even if he pitches great this year, he's still no Mo. To me, it seems like he's looking up to Mo, and that's the way it should be.

That's the exact same thing that my friend (A big Phillies fan) who I spoke to about this today said to me. Except it wasn't a while from now. It already happened. He thinks Wagner is in the wrong here and he's a Philly fan (Not bitter about Wagner leaving, I asked.) And as for who had it first? Rivera technically, but I don't think who had it first should matter.

Garf I understand your point, but it has everything to do with Mariano and the Yankees. How could it not? Mo is a tremendous figure in this town and is recognized by that song and has been for a decade. I understand it's just a song, but in New York it's Rivera's song and a big part of his image with the fans and for the Mets' new closer to be playing that song in New York, it's a big deal.

garf112 wrote:I realize that Mariano Rivera will forever be known as the greatest closer of all time, but if you look at the regular season stats Mo and Wagner are very similar pitchers (with Mo being more durable).

The difference is only in their playoff stats. Mo's numbers are astounding 0.89 ERA in 111.2 IP.

Billy Wagner has a 9+ ERA in 4.2 IP.

Yankees' playoff appearances= 11 (7 ALCS, 6 WS)

Astros/Phillies playoff appearances= 4 (0 NLCS, 0 WS)

Some might argue that Wagner just didn't have the opportunites that Rivera had. I am not taking anything away from Mo, but part of his greatness has been that he has played for a team that has been dynastic. I also understand that winning championships in all sports is part of greatness.

All good points and similar points can be made for Trevor Hoffman as well. I think the reason why this is being made into such a fuss in NY is because the song is synonymous with Mariano and the Yankees, not Wagner and the Mets. Even if Wagner was a superior pitcher I still think the situation would be the same.

Are there any Mets fans out there that would rather Wagner had a different entrance song?

I don't think we have touched on that yet. I have discussed this with several Mets fans and they mentioned that they do not want any song associated with the Yankees playing at Shea as they watch their team. Maybe they just don't want to hear Yankees fans complaining or maybe they don't want to be accused of being unoriginal.

The Mets have a new stadium deal, a new network, and a new closer. Why stop there? It's time for a new song.